Late Ming dynasty, China (17th Century)
Donated by Satō Kiyoharu
This is a large cerulean porcelain incense burner in the form of a waterfowl, fired in the Longquan kilns in Zhejiang Province, China, noted for its light blueish-green tint with a high level of transparency.
The burner, with its two-tiered structure, has the waterfowl raising its head as if crying out, and is made so that the incense smoke is emitted out of the bird’s mouth.
The origins of the name “Shichikan” is theorized as having been the official title of the Chinese individual who introduced the style to Japan, although the full details are unknown.